Area Guide - Masson House

Overlooking Edinburgh's Holyrood Park, the 3* Masson House bed and breakfast is located on the Pollock Halls campus, just 1.5 miles from Waverley train station and many of Edinburgh’s popular tourist attractions.

A Guide to Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of Scotland's most exciting, vibrant cities, offering many things to see and do. From its tiny, winding streets to its dramatic, formerly volcanic scenery, Edinburgh really encompasses the best of what a city has to offer. Throughout the year, Edinburgh is a hive of activity; however the city's busiest times are undoubtedly August, when people flood in for the Festivals, and the New Year period, when both residents and visitors alike hit the streets for the Hogmanay celebrations. The Scottish capital has come a long way from the days of "Auld Reekie", as it was affectionately known, to be one of the world's most influential cities. Split between Old Town, New Town and the port of Leith, Edinburgh is well worth a visit.

Where to Stay

In the centre you will find many large hotels and budget hostels, while in the suburbs there are lots of B&Bs, guest houses and apartments.

LateRooms Tip

During the month of August and over New Year, Edinburgh is very busy as people flock to the city for the world famous Edinburgh Festival and the traditional Scottish celebration of Hogmanay respectively. We strongly advise you to arrange your accommodation well in advance. Unfortunately, rates will also be significantly higher at these times.

During these times and at weekends, most accommodation (especially B&Bs and smaller properties) operate a minimum 2 night stay policy. Most of the bigger hotels will take 1 night stays, but tend to offer special rates for 2 night stays or more.

Nightlife

Edinburgh has a lively pub, club and bar scene. This stretches right across the city centre. The range of venues is wide and varied - from underground vaults and old Victorian buildings, to purpose-built bars and clubs.

Pubs

The area around Rose Street is a popular nightspot, known for its many pubs.

Milne's Bar

35 Hanover Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PJ

Famously frequented by poets such as Hugh MacDiarmid.

Basement entrance on Hanover Street also.

The Gordon Arms

133 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BB

Small traditional bar, popular with the locals.

Robertson's 37 Bar

37 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2NH

Famous for its whisky collection: over 100 single malts.

Many original fixtures dating back to 1901.

The Kenilworth

152-154 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3JD

Built in 1789 and originally used as a house.

Converted to a pub in 1904, and retains many original features.

Children welcome until 21:00.

Students

Grassmarket is a good location if you are looking for a cheaper student-style night out:

Fiddler's Arms

11-13 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HY

Traditional local pub with pool tables and old fiddles on the wall.

Regular folk nights (usually Monday).

The Last Drop

74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JR

Named due to its location, near the former site of the old gallows.

Retains original features.

The Bee-Hive

18 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU

The only beer garden on the Grassmarket.

Disco music nights on Friday and Saturday.

Bars

If you are attracted to the bar culture then George Street is the place to head for.

Candy Bar

113-115 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN

Trendy pre-club bar.

Extensive food and cocktail menu.

Opal Lounge

51A George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT

2-for-1 promotions available on food and drink at certain times.

Boast their own 'mixologist' for their cocktail menu.

Trendy pre-club bar.

Brown's Restaurant & Bar

131-133 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JS

Dates back to 1767, originally designed for the Scottish gentry.

Relaxing bar experience with an extensive food menu.

The Dome

14 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF

Set in the old headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland.

Cocktail bar as well as a separate restaurant and garden area.

Clubs

Can be located pretty much all over Edinburgh's main hot spots. Here are a select few:

The Liquid Room

9C Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2HE

Home to live music nights and club nights (from breaks to trance and techno).

Have hosted the likes of Coldplay in the past.

The Honeycomb

15-17 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG

Home to famous club nights such as Manga and Motherfunk.

Located in the underground vaults of Niddry Street.

The Bongo Club

37 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8BA

Hosts a range of live music, and club nights specialising in underground music.

If you are looking for a certain type of music style or a specific "night" you may want to invest in The List which is available from local newsagents.

Festivals:

For the Kids

Edinburgh is an exciting city to visit with children, as there is much for them to see and do. Most of the museums and attractions do incorporate a kids' section, but here is a selection of things to do:

Edinburgh Dungeons

32 Market St, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB

Take a walk around the anatomy theatre or go on the hunt for cannibal Sawney Bean.

Sample the terrors of the haunted labyrinth.

Opening Times:

Open 7 days a week.November 2nd - March 14th 11:00-16:00
March 15th - November 1st 10:00-17:00

Prices:

Adult £13.95child £9.95

Museum of Childhood

Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TQ

A delight for both children and adults.

Provides a look at toys through the ages.

Opening Times:

Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00Sunday 12:00-17:00

Prices:

FREE

Dynamic Earth

Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS

Provides a look at the development of the Earth, with plenty of hands-on and interactive features.

Children are given the opportunity to touch a real iceberg, and experience the realities of a rain forest.

Opening Times:

Wednesday to Sunday 10:00- 17:00(Last entry is 15:50)

Prices:

Adult £9.50Child £5.95Under 5s free

Children's International Theatre Festival

The Children's International Theatre Festival takes place at the end of May.

Shopping

Edinburgh is a shopper's paradise, with many high street stores, huge department stores, and little boutiques to be found.

Princes Street

Home to most of the major high street stores, e.g. H&M, Marks & Spencer, HMV, Waterstones, The Disney Store, and many more.

Department Stores

Jenners: the famous Edinburgh department store, which is one of Britain's oldest, and is located on Princes Street

Harvey Nichols: the first of the chain's Scottish stores, located in Saint Andrew's Square, and contains many designer brands.

House of Fraser: part of the major chain, containing many designer products and household names. Located at 145 Princes Street.

It is also worth perusing streets around Princes Street e.g.

George Street

Thistle Street

Hanover Street

Frederick Street

These streets tend to contain more boutique style shops e.g.

Jane Davidson, Thistle Street (women's clothes)

Joseph H Bonnar, Thistle Street (jewellery)

Futon Co., Hanover Street (bedroom furniture and accessories)

If you have time to spend, it is also worth meandering round the streets of the Old Town as there are many hidden gems to be discovered. It is worth mentioning that the Royal Mile is home to many of the tourist orientated shops.